Monday, 10 August 2009

Lieberman says Mideast peace deal 'illusion'

Israel's foreign minister has described a Middle East peace deal as an 'illusion', saying the most that peace talks can achieve is improving security and the Palestinian economy.

In a meeting with a delegation of US Democratic lawmakers on Monday, Avigdor Lieberman once again set pre-conditions for peace talks, rejecting all Palestinian demands, especially a freeze on settlement construction.

"Israeli policy must be based on reality and not illusion while maintaining the dialogue between us and the Palestinians, improving security arrangements and the economic condition of the Palestinians," Lieberman said.